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HB 5961

Occupations: licensing fees; interior design license fee; establish. Amends 1979 PA 152 (MCL 338.2201 - 338.2277) by adding sec. 14.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Noah Arbit and 12 co-sponsors

Michigan bill establishes interior design licensing fees to fund regulatory oversight of the profession, affecting designer business costs and state program revenue.

bill electronically reproduced 09/26/2024
#occupations:licensingfees
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Bill Summary · HB 5961

Legislative bill overview

HB 5961 amends Michigan's occupational licensing law to establish a licensing fee for interior designers. The bill adds a new section to the existing 1979 PA 152 statute governing occupational regulations, creating a fee structure for interior design licensure that did not previously have a specified statutory fee.

Why is this important

Interior design licensing fees directly affect professionals entering and maintaining practice in Michigan, potentially influencing market entry costs and consumer access to licensed design services. The fee structure also impacts state revenue collection for administering the interior design licensing program and regulatory oversight.

Potential points of contention

  • Fee amount and justification: The bill text does not specify the actual fee amount, raising questions about whether the legislature or regulatory agency will determine pricing and whether fees are proportionate to program administration costs
  • Professional burden vs. consumer protection: Interior designers may view mandatory fees as a business cost burden, while supporters argue fees ensure proper regulatory oversight and consumer protection through licensure standards
  • Market competitiveness: Higher licensing fees could disadvantage smaller design firms or new professionals, potentially affecting industry competition and employment opportunities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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